Telecommuting: No going back

Telecommuting has been much in the news lately, with certain executives declaring telecommuting off-limits to their employees. While some companies in certain industries may have good reasons behind such decisions, in most cases a ban on telecommuting is simply not workable.

One reason is that telecommuting for many talented employees is no longer regarded so much as a perk, but instead as the new way of doing business. If you tell employees that you will not offer that option across the board, then many talented employees will take their talents elsewhere.

Another reason is that today’s technology means that telecommuting is the least expensive option. A company that can do telecommuting well will have much less overhead than a company that can’t. Companies typically don’t pay for the electricity or the heating or the air conditioning that telecommuters use. They don’t pay rent for their office space. Without having to pay for these expenses, the telecommuting organization is leaner and costs less to run.

Yet another reason: Banning telecommuting shuts the door to benefits that could be had through globalization. In a global economy, talented employees could reside anywhere in the world. Companies that are willing to allow telecommuting will also increase their hiring options.

Some will argue that telecommuting hurts productivity, but studies have shown that the opposite is true.

With modest investments in technology, you can have the best of both worlds. Employees can see each other’s faces in meetings, and they can collaborate in ways that are both productive and creative. Telecommuting doesn’t have to be sacrificed, and we couldn’t go back if we wanted to.